Weapons

Army 2016: Kalashnikov upgrades PL-14 pistol

The Kalashnikov Group (a subsidiary of the Rostec state corporation) has updated its Lebedev PL-14 pistol. The modified firearm was unveiled at the Army 2016 military-technical forum, held outside Moscow from 6-11 September.

"The enhanced Lebedev pistol has been chambered for the 9x19 mm Para (STANAG 4090) cartridge, as was its predecessor, namely the PL-14. It has a length of 206 mm, a height of 138 mm, a width of 28 mm, an empty weight of 0.7 kg, a combat weight of 0.9 kg, and a magazine capacity of 15 cartridges," a company representative said at the show. "The main difference from the previous model is a new pistol frame made of light aluminum alloys. It can be replaced by a polymer one in the case of massive deliveries of PL-15 pistols to Russia's armed forces and law enforcement agencies."

The updated Lebedev pistol features ambidextrous controls and an adjustable firing mechanism. The source added that the Kalashnikov Group is developing a family of shooting accessories for the PL-15 that will include various holsters, pouches, laser pointers, sound suppressors, weapon flashlights, etc.